Report: MJF Vs. Samoa Joe Was Always The Plan Before CM Punk's Firing

CM Punk was recently fired by AEW following a physical altercation backstage with Jack Perry at AEW All In, and some apparent interactions with Tony Khan that left the AEW boss fearful for his life, in his words. 

With the loss of CM Punk there are undoubtedly some changed plans for the two-time AEW World Champion, as there were likely to be plans going forwards for his “Real Worlds Champion” storyline. In fact, many fans expected an eventual champion vs. champion feud with his former rival MJF. 

CM Punk’s AEW All In opponent Samoa Joe has gone on to start a feud with MJF, leading to some speculation that this was supposed to be CM Punk’s spot. However, a report from Fightful Select has revealed that this was always the plan.

“Samoa Joe’s plans were already in place as well. We’re told that despite CM Punk still having the Real World’s Championship, there were not immediate plans for an MJF/Punk program. Instead, Samoa Joe had previously been planned to feud with MJF as is the case on television now.”

Aside from a match with Ricky Starks at the All Out 2023, not much is known of changed plans for AEW since CM Punk’s departure.